If this new record were a score to a haunting film, then the first track “Xibir” would definitely be the opening credits. “Xibir” is an instrumental symphonic piece that begins with the choir and strings sections building up their presence with repetitive phrases that gradually swell in length and volume. Then the percussive kettledrums kick in and pave the way for some vibrant staccato violin phrases, and the introduction of the brass section. The muted trumpets and heavy baritone saxophones give the piece an “Omen-like” feel at this point. The steady rhythmic downbeat is continually embellished with secondary phrases from the strings and brass, while the legato choir emotionally charges the music to a fever pitch. Suddenly the piece moves into a dreamlike waltz that lifts one up into a euphoric state, but then the dance stops and you’re left in an eerie state of unrest, as the strings grind their bows and the choir whispers inaudible words in their final crescendo of the piece.
Next is “Born Treacherous”, the sinister evolution of the “Progenies Of The Great Apocalypse” symphonic sound Dimmu Borgir has become infamous for. The furious guitar riffing of Silenoz and Galder is accented with arpeggiated phrasings of Norwegian Radio Orchestra and choral arrangements of the Schola Cantorum. Even with such incredibly complicated arrangements, the brutality is not overlooked as session drummer Daray has plenty of double-bass cut-time beats and blast-beats, while the loathsome lyrics of front-man Shagrath are intensified with the full choir chanting along his wicked words in unison: “Born Treacherous!”
Third is “Gateways”, an aesthetic continuation of “Born Treacherous”, but this track adds even more elements to the already complex music. We are introduced to keyboard sounds of Gerlioz, and the licentious lips of Agnete Kjølsrud. Agnete’s vocal style is harsh yet melodic and fits well with Dimmu Borgir’s aggressive nature. The video for “Gateways” can be seen on Dimmu Borgir’s official YouTube page, or by clicking on the image below:
The rest of songs continue the full symphonic metal sound of the first two songs, but the tempo of the songs begins to gradually decrease toward the end, especially the oddly placed cover songs, and this is where the CD starts to loose it’s hold over me. It is for this sole reason Dimmu Borgir doesn’t receive a full 4 skulls for Abrahadabra, but instead I give them 3 ½ skulls. The entire CD as a whole is very good, I just feel that it lacks the aggressiveness in the later half of the CD that is demonstrated in the first few tracks. But, I will still recommend this CD to fans of Dimmu and those looking for new symphonic metal to listen to.
Rating: 3 ½ skulls
Track listing:
1 – Xibir (instrumental)
2 - Born Treacherous
3 - Gateways
4 - Chess With The Abyss
5 - Dimmu Borgir
6 - Ritualist
7 - The Demiurge Molecule
8 - A Jewel Traced Through Coal
9 - Renewal
10 - Endings And Continuations
11 - Perfect Strangers (Deep Purple Cover)*
12 - D.M.D.R: Dead Mean Don't Rape (GGFH Cover)*
* Bonus tracks on the exclusive Hot Topic edition
Source:
http://www.dimmu-borgir.com/
http://www.dimmu-borgir.com/
